Tributes paid to “salt of the earth” Rotherham councillor following sudden death

Tributes have been paid to a “hard-working and dedicated” Rotherham councillor who has died suddenly.

Councillor John Blackham represented the Anston and Woodsetts ward on Rotherham Council for the Conservative Party.

Rotherham Conservative Councillor Tim Baum-Dixon said he had been sitting alongside his ward colleague at a full council meeting just two days before learning of his death on Saturday.

He said: “He was my ward colleague, so I’m quite sad and upset. I was only sat with him on Thursday at full council, and found out he had died on Saturday.

“He was very hard working and really dedicated to the job. He was well liked across the board, and was always out and about in his ward.

“He’d lived in Anston for a very long time and was just a great guy, really salt of the earth.

“He was a dedicated dad and a great friend. It’s a loss for the council, a loss for the Conservatives and a loss for the ward. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Councillor Blackham was elected to represent Anston and Woodsetts in May 2024 alongside Councillors Baum-Dixon and Drew Tarmey.

Councillor Tarmey also paid tribute to his ward colleague, adding: "Our condolences and respects go to John's family.

"He was an advocate for the area, always a good colleague and a a friendly chap."

During his time on the council, he served on the Audit Committee, Improving Lives Select Commission and Overview and Scrutiny Management Board.

He was also a member of the council’s Transportation Advisory Group.

Councillor Chris Read, leader of the council said: "It was a huge shock to hear of the sad passing of Cllr John Blackham. Only last week at out council meeting, councillors were paying tribute to the work he had done through the scrutiny process.

"The warm affection in which he was held was evident. I always found him to be a straightforward and decent councillor, someone who provided clarity and commanded respect. He will be missed. I’m sure all our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”